Topic Guide
What Is Investigative journalism?
Investigative journalism is a subject covered in depth across 3 podcast episodes in our database. Below you'll find key concepts, expert insights, and the top episodes to listen to — all distilled from hours of conversation by leading experts.
Key Concepts in Investigative journalism
The stupider side of true crime
This concept defines the unique niche of the 'Crimeless' podcast, shifting focus from traditional dark true crime narratives to explore incidents that are more baffling, absurd, or comically inept. It highlights crimes often driven by incompetence or bizarre circumstances rather than malice, aiming to leave observers asking, 'Wait, what?'
Dumbest criminals
Central to 'Crimeless,' this concept focuses on individuals whose criminal acts are marked by incredible ineptitude or bizarre methods, leading to humorous or head-scratching outcomes. The podcast aims to 'celebrate the amazing creativity' in these blunders, providing an unconventional lens on criminal behavior.
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A Canadian acronym representing 'missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual Plus people.' The panel discusses this as an example of convoluted identity politics and a symbol of what they perceive as "institutionalized insanity" in Canadian political discourse.
Institutionalized insanity/cowardice
A term used by the panel to describe systemic problems in Canadian politics where illogical or extreme progressive ideologies are embraced and rewarded, while common sense is demonized. This is seen in how certain societal issues are framed and addressed by government bodies, leading to perceived institutional failures and a lack of accountability.
Deterrence (criminal justice)
The principle that severe punishment for criminal acts can prevent others from committing similar offenses by instilling fear of consequences. The panel argues that modern Western justice systems have lost effective deterrence, leading to high recidivism rates and a failure to protect society, suggesting that more 'visceral' and public consequences are needed for heinous crimes.
Nice vs. kind
A distinction made by the panel to differentiate between short-term, conflict-avoidant pleasing (niceness) and the act of telling the truth even if it is uncomfortable or painful for long-term benefit (kindness). They argue that 'Minnesota nice' (and by extension, Canadian niceness) has led to societal degradation due to a lack of genuine kindness and willingness to confront difficult truths.
What Experts Say About Investigative journalism
- 1.Comedian and actor Rory Scoville and investigative journalist Josh Dean co-host the new podcast "Crimeless."
- 2."Crimeless" focuses on exploring "the stupider side of the true crime world," highlighting the peculiar actions of "the world's dumbest criminals."
- 3.The show will delve into bizarre scenarios, such as the legality of cutting a cat's hair without permission and the practicalities of snorting human remains.
- 4.Listeners can expect stories of elaborate, yet often inept, schemes like catfishing an entire city and the "dumbest way to steal $4 million."
- 5.The podcast features unconventional topics, including "promiscuous primates" and using tarot cards to seek "advice from the great beyond."
- 6."Crimeless" also covers cases of individuals faking their own death while remaining in their hometown and the challenges of differentiating human ashes from cocaine.